Direct Commission (HR Officer) Advice

[GBpackers27]

Hey all,

I've been reading through some of these threads the past few days as I prepare to possibly start my work on a packet for a Direct Commission as an HR Officer, and I wanted to ask for any advice for anyone who has been through the process (or anyone who knows of someone who has). I have a solid understanding of the references, the interviewing with officers, and the personal statement, but what else (if anything) am I missing?

For background: I have been working in HR (on the Benefits side for a larger employer) for nearly 7 years, have a Bachelor's (3.6 GPA) and Master's (4.0 GPA) in an unrelated field and a multitude of different credentials including a PHR (Professional in Human Resources).

I firmly understand the process requires a significant degree of paperwork and, obviously, the program is highly competitive as it should be. Any advice/insight etc. is appreciated!

Thank you!

 

[exNavyOffRec]

Have you talked to a recruiter to go over the PA? The plus I see is that you have your PHR, from a quick scan of the PA I don't see that working in benefits qualifies for work experience, however @FormerRecruitingGuru might have better insight on this.

 

[FormerRecruitingGuru]

Hey all,

I've been reading through some of these threads the past few days as I prepare to possibly start my work on a packet for a Direct Commission as an HR Officer, and I wanted to ask for any advice for anyone who has been through the process (or anyone who knows of someone who has). I have a solid understanding of the references, the interviewing with officers, and the personal statement, but what else (if anything) am I missing?

For background: I have been working in HR (on the Benefits side for a larger employer) for nearly 7 years, have a Bachelor's (3.6 GPA) and Master's (4.0 GPA) in an unrelated field and a multitude of different credentials including a PHR (Professional in Human Resources).

I firmly understand the process requires a significant degree of paperwork and, obviously, the program is highly competitive as it should be. Any advice/insight etc. is appreciated!

Thank you!

1205 HR DCO is a fairly competitive program. Usually about 50 or so folks apply for about 5ish quotas annually, though recently that number has gone up a little bit. However, that doesn't really change the competitiveness of the applicant pool.

A standard applicant has the HR certification (which you have), HR-desired masters degree (which you don't have), and HR-desired work experience which includes leadership (which you barely have). A competitive applicant exceeds all of that. While I do agree benefits is part of HR, it is not the complete picture which is what is desired by the 1205 community. Think: HR Manager, Director, etc. which have both the complete HR experience as well as leadership leading teams.

I am not saying don't waste your time but I would say you are not fitting the mold of a standard/competitive applicant.

 

[GBpackers27]

Thank you for the insight! I really do appreciate it. All very fair points! I am a manager on the benefits side of HR with direct leadership responsibility (personnel and budget) and do also have oversight on quite a few strategic priorities within the collaborative space of HR, but I 100% understand this could be less than desirable/fringe relative to a broader HR role.

All great information, thank you!

 

[Hair Warrior]

HR officers in the Navy do not have any say in sailors’ benefits - that is all from Congress.

I echo the sentiment that your experience doesn’t quite translate/ doesn’t make you overly competitive in a competitive field.

If I were in your shoes, I’d consider:
1. Enlisting in the USNR as a PS or YN
2. Earning your master’s degree
3. Switching from your current private sector job to a contractor or civilian job supporting a DoD manpower or admin office, e.g. an N1/J1/G1/A1 staff at a large command, or some DoD/federal office with similar responsibility
4. Earning basic cybersecurity certifications, data security, and/or technical expertise in HR software tools

 

[GBpackers27]

Thank you!

HR officers in the Navy do not have any say in sailors’ benefits - that is all from Congress.

I echo the sentiment that your experience doesn’t quite translate/ doesn’t make you overly competitive in a competitive field.

If I were in your shoes, I’d consider:
1. Enlisting in the USNR as a PS or YN
2. Earning your master’s degree
3. Switching from your current private sector job to a contractor or civilian job supporting a DoD manpower or admin office, e.g. an N1/J1/G1/A1 staff at a large command, or some DoD/federal office with similar responsibility
4. Earning basic cybersecurity certifications, data security, and/or technical expertise in HR software tools